In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Twenty years have passed since United States-led coalition forces invaded Iraq, starting a war that would eventually topple Saddam Hussein's 24-year-long dictatorship. Since then, Baghdad has changed a great deal with reconstruction projects contributing to a renewed sense of vibrancy.

Iraq's Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Kareem Kaab, sat down with NHK World to explain where his country is heading and how it plans to get there.

Japanese schools are adopting a heatstroke risk index to protect their students as temperatures soar across the country.

Every spring, more than a million people visit Washington DC to marvel at the canopy of pink and white cherry blossoms framing the city skyline. The Potomac cherry trees are in the limelight again, as Japan prepares to send 250 new saplings to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Many people might be aware that the original trees were a gift given more than a century ago, but few likely know that the idea originated with a pioneering female journalist.

A promising niche in Japan's tech industry is struggling to overcome social stigmas ― and a mess of red tape. An event held in Tokyo earlier this year was aimed at jumpstarting solutions.

Japan launched its first ride-hailing services this month. Uber and other apps are gearing up to take on the market, but taxi companies remain in the driver's seat thanks to strict regulations.

Japan's Noto Peninsula was a vital economic hub centuries ago. Residents of the Kuroshima district are now drawing upon its rich history and legacy of resilience as they try to rebuild from the massive earthquake that struck on New Year's Day.

Six months after the disaster, NEWSROOM TOKYO anchor Yoshioka Takuma visited Wajima City's Kuroshima in central Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture.

Myanmar's junta is facing increased resistance from pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups in a shift that has coincided with the introduction of conscription. Since February, the military began a lottery system to sign up men aged 18 and older.

According to the Burma Affairs and Conflict Study (BACS) watchdog, almost 6,000 people have been recruited, many of them forcibly, during that period. The move has Myanmar youths facing a quandary: give in to the junta, flee, or fight back?

Russia's initial attacks on Ukraine reduced many cities to smoldering ruins. One year on, NHK World visited two of the hardest hit towns and spoke with locals who are trying to rebuild their communities, despite not knowing when or how the conflict will end.

Six months after an earthquake wreaked destruction on Japan's Noto Peninsula, one man is hoping to boost spirits during the summer festival season. Many communities remain unable to celebrate, but in one part of Suzu City, book merchant Yagi Atsunari is ensuring that some elements of the seasonal festivities can bring people together.

Baseball is one of Japan's most beloved sports and as such, many figures of speech derive from it, especially in a business environment.